NP-41 Emulator (may be)

[Chris Chung]

A mini update.

PCB fab house had sent my new design and I expect to receive it in 2 weeks time in slow mail. I am saving cost now with standard shipping as I burnt too much getting the 1st prototype to work. Last PCB cost $20 to make, I use DHL that cost $25 and the custom clearing is another $16 (turns out for value over $20 they will add clearing and other fees). I am sticking to snail mail this time.

In the meantime I had played w/ 3d prints and keycap buttons and I can keep you entertained w/ my failure.

   
I designed it w/ a online tool and get it made for $16 from a hub via 3dhubs. They are keycaps and I am trying to make them fit into some buttons.

   
I was suppose to "break" individual keycaps out from the waffle and sand them down (that was what I thought). But they are too thin and resolution is not defined enough.

   
Here are the keys that I intend to use. I was trying to match up the "nibs". The keycap should have a 2.4x2.4mm square hole to match the button's nib.

Unfortunately I over-estimate the 3D printer's resolution, the squares on the keycaps are not precise enough for a good fit.

It looks like I need to invest in a 3D printer to further my trials, one button + keycap at a time.